Don’t believe the media. Don’t believe the front office.
If anyone in Cincinnati Reds Nation was wondering about manager Terry Francona’s standing within the organization during a fraught season that still had the Reds in last place the day after the MLB trade deadline, look no further than the postgame interview room after the Reds’ win over the A’s in this week’s series opener.
Reds owner Bob Castellini walked through the room on his way out of the clubhouse, along with two especially burly members of his posse, apparently unaware Francona was in the middle of a live media session, specifically extolling the leadership virtues of Brady Singer.
Castellini gave a thumbs up as he surveyed the room, then stopped.
“There is a leader,” he said without
missing a beat, gesturing in Francona’s direction. “And a winner.
“Right here. He’s the man.”
The owner then continued on his way.
“Sorry to interrupt,” he said as he headed out the door.
When Castellini left the building, there apparently wasn’t much left to say from either the media or Francona.
Except maybe to wonder aloud about what looked like a strong, if unconventional, vote of confidence for the manager from the top of the organization.
"I'm still here,” Francona said.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Reds owner Bob Castellini crashes Francona session, delivers message
